I was wondering if the Miata would get the HCCI Skyactive X engine, and this article suggests that it might be the case or it could be just a more powerful Skyactive G.

https://www.autoblog.com/2018/03/01/...etting-181-hp/

https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...ower-for-2019/

If it is the Skyactive X I'd plunk down a deposit right now.

 

I mean, I am all for more power in the Miata, but it's kind of baffling to think that Honda was making 240hp with the same size engine, nearly 20 years ago and yet we are excited that Mazda is going from 155 to 181. Still a crappily small amount of power for the displacement especially when we know turbocharging the current engine could easily push it up to 250+

 

I don't think it's about ability though. It's like the Japanese automakers have this weird thing about power, and never supply enough for us Americans. I can think of several Japanese cars and bikes that ended up getting power bumps because the Japan-market versions were not powerful or torquey enough.

I get the whole Jinba ittai thing but there should still be a hi-po version. It's not like a high-powered Miata would cannibalize sales of an upmarket Mazda sports car - none exists.

 

2300 pounds is a heck of a fun car at 155 hp. You can also get one for about $23k new with a little dealing.

I drove it and loved everything about the car except it was too slow. Bumping power by 17% goes a long way to solving that issue.

Before you judge, just make sure you go throw one around for a while. Your Golf R has 300hp and you sounded a bit disappointed overall. Yeah, they are two different car but a lot of intangibles goes into what makes a car fun. And people were saying our S2000's were wimpy for years yet tons of us obviously loved them.

 

I did test drive an ND:

A) I didn't fit at all, see my issues with having a long torso...
B) The engine felt completely uninspiring
C) The body roll was atrocious

I mean, you are preaching to the choir, my NA Miata is about that weight and has even less power and it's tons of fun, but still, more power would not ruin it, not by a long shot. In fact...more power will be coming to my NA shortly.

Also, those people who complained about our cars (s2000s) were WRONG. That car is plenty quick for what it is, but even an ND with 181hp doesn't have as good a HP/weight as a stock S2000...

My Golf is great at what it does for me, and it's plenty quick, it just doesn't have the character of a big V8...but either does a Miata

 

HA! Yes and yes. I think they have tinkered with the body roll as it is MUCH better in the RF and I thought I read there were "revisions" to the soft top suspension which I think is the RF's setup but don't quote me on that. The engine was very disappointing, I am hoping the new one won't be. It is not THAT slow of a car, although it sure does feel that way, but maybe a little power will go a long way. I'd like to keep the Cayman and have several thoughts in mind about ditching the 328i and getting a car or two that can cover the daily driver fun itch, and something with utility. A GTI/Miata combo is one of the thoughts I am having and is one of the less expensive options.

 

Sounds good to me, I just went a little heavier into the GTI (with the R) and had to cut back on the fun 2 seater, by getting a cheap Miata. Although cheap is adding up when it comes to mod costs.

 

I'd be surprised if they stay at 2300lbs if the power bump is indeed true.

I drove a RF a few weeks ago when buying our CX-3 and thought the power was just fine. With the gearing and torque it actually felt quicker around town than my AP1. I was eerily close to having one in my driveway.

 

Agreed. If you read articles about the development of the car, decisions were made every step of the way to shave weight. Add more power, then you have to beef up the tyranny and rear end. Driveshaft, halfshafts, etc. With more weight, then beef up the suspension. Then you have to go from 4 lug to 5 lug wheels. Before you know it, you've added a few hundred pounds and it's a totally different car. You won't see a 2300lb miata with 240hp anytime soon.

 

I for one would love the ND to have more power, or at the very least a turbo engine model, so they could offer it with the ability from the box to tune and increase the boost.